Introduction
The Trade Faciliation Agreements Advisory Group advises SITPRO on all aspects of agreements on trade facilitation that may emerge from international negotiations. Whilst no definition of “trade facilitation” can be precise, the World Trade Organisation’s definition is “the simplification and harmonisation of international trade procedures” (i.e. of the activities, practices and formalities involved in collecting, presenting, communicating and processing data required for the movement of goods in international trade). Trade facilitation therefore has a wide remit; but its core focus is on simplification and rationalisation of customs and other administrative procedures that affect trading across borders. It seeks better management of trade in the widest sense.
Trade facilitation agreements focus on agreed measures towards lowering the costs of engaging in international trade, or eliminating obstacles to trade flows. These may include:
- The reduction of fiscal and non-fiscal barriers to the international movement of goods;
- Clarifying core issues involved in streamlining and simplifying international trade procedures;
- Customs Operation & Administration: reducing customs processes and requirements; assistance to help countries modernise and improve their customs offices;
- E-commerce Development & Information Technologies (IT): developing skills in and promoting the use of IT to business by creating business networks and disseminating market information;
- Export Promotion: increasing market opportunities for developing country and transition economy producers;
- Business Services & Training: support to improve the associations and networks in the business sector (for services as well as goods), as well as to enhance the skills of business people engaged in trade;
- Regional Trade Agreements (RTA): assistance to an RTA or to an individual country (or potential RTA member) that increases the ability of the RTA to facilitate trade;
- Other Trade Facilitation Measures: other measures towards capacity-building in beneficiary countries or to increase trade flows.
If you would like further information about this group, please contact Siobhan Aarons 
.
Meeting Papers
3rd Meeting
2nd Meeting
1st Meeting
Terms of Reference
TFAAG is a consultative group to:
- Advise SITPRO on all aspects of broad multilateral agreements on Trade Facilitation, whether or not in the context of the WTO Doha Development Round (DDA)
- Act as a forum for exchanging information and views on the wider TF agenda, including impact assessments and assistance for developing countries
- Enable SITPRO to consult business and other stakeholders on principles and details to be included in TF agreements, rules and implementation procedures
- Assess the impact and compliance costs of the rules being created by TF agreements
- Report on other issues or concerns arising from the Advisory Group’s discussions
- Make comments and recommendations as necessary
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